Rail joint



Jan. 24*, 1928. v

' L. PlERCE RAIL JOINT Filed May 19, 1926 tit? Patented Jan. 24, 1928.

UNITED STATES" LEONARD PIERCE, or URBANA, ILLINOIS.

RAIL Jonv'r.

' Application filed May 19,

This invention relates to improvements in rail joints and has for an object the provision of an interlocking joint by means of which the adjacent ends of rail sections may be connected insuch manner as to prevent relative movement, yet permit of the necessary expansion and contraction.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a joint which will effect a reliable connection between the adjacent rail sections without the use of bolts, so that weakening of the rail ends due to bolt holes will be avoided.

With the above and other objects in view,

1'. the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claims.

in the drawings Figure 1 is a side elevation of a rail joint constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 2.

Figure a is a section on the line 4: l of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective showingthe male section of the joint.

Figure 6 is a like view of the female section.

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the invention provides interlccl-zing means at the adjacent ends of rail sections and for this purpose provides a male section M and a female section F. The 'l'eiuaie section F is provided with a recess 10 which opens at one end of the section and at the top adjacent said end. The

pposite side walls 11 of the recess 10 are relatively inclined, the narrowest or restricted end of the recess being at the end of the rail.

The male section M has extending longitudinally therefrom a tongue 12 and the opposite side faces 13 of this tongue are relatively inclined and conform to and contact with the inclined walls 11 of the recess 10 when the tongue is positionedwithin said recess. This connection provides a relatively tight fit between the rail sections so that independent longitudinal movement of the sections will be prevented and the adjacent is a topplan view of the same.

abutting ends of the rail sections held tightly is a section on the line 3-3 of 1928. Serial No. 110,196.

together. At the same time, ordinary expansion and contraction of the rails is provided for. p

In order to relieve the side walls of the recess 10 from undue strain occasioned by possible wedging action of the tongue within the recess, the sect-ions are further held against independent longitudinal movement by a projection 14 which extends downwardly from the outer end of the tongue 12 and provides a vertically disposed shoulder 15. This projection is received within a pocket 16 provided at the inner end of the recess 10, a vertically disposed shoulder 17 being formed in the pocket for engagement by the shoulder of the tongue.

If desired, clamping bars 18 may be placed upon opposite sides of the rail. These bars are shaped to engage the opposite sides of the rail and have notches 19 to receive spikes 20, by means of which the bars are held in place. These bars act to reinforce the side walls of the recess 10 and further act to resist the spreading action of the rails.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings that the invention provides a simple, etlicient and reliable means of connecting the adjacent ends ofrail sections without the use of bolts and the consequent weakening of the rails by the ordinary bolt holes.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope oi. the appended claims.

Having (flescribed the invention what is claimed is 1. A rail joint including a male section and a female section, the latter having a recess opening at one end and at the top ad, jacent one end, the side walls of the recess being relatively inclined with the narrowest part of the recess at the end of the rail a tongue extending from the end of the male sectionwith its opposite side faces relatively inclined to engage the walls of the recess and provide a snug fit and means extending from the tongue and engaging the female section to resist relative longitudinal move ment of the rail sections and relieve the side walls of the female section from strain.

2. A rail joint comprising a male section and a female section, the latter having a recess opening at one end and at the top adjneent said end, the side walls of the recess being relatively inclined with the narrowest 1m rt of the recess at the end of the rail, a tongue extending from the inule rail see- 5 tion and having its opposite feces relatively inclined to conform to the inclination of the walls of the recess, and clumping bars reinovubly secured upon opposite sides of the joint to engage the rail sections, said liars having their opposite ends extending beyond the opposite ends of the tongue.

In testin'lony whereof I uflix my signature.

LEONARD PIERCE. 

